Police arrested a 55-year-old Nigerian national at OR Tambo International Airport for drug trafficking after he arrived from Saõ Paulo, Brazil. Authorities intercepted him and conducted a medical X-ray, which revealed that he had swallowed multiple drug bullets filled with cocaine.
Gauteng police spokesperson Amanda van Wyk confirmed the arrest, stating, “The suspect, who is still releasing bullets, is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court this week.” Law enforcement continues to monitor his condition as they await the complete expulsion of the illicit substances.
Increased drug Trafficking arrests at OR Tambo
During a strategic planning session on transnational organised crime in Pretoria, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola highlighted the growing trend of drug mule arrests at OR Tambo International Airport.
“Since 2024 we have arrested about 20 drug mules at the OR Tambo International Airport,” Masemola stated.
He recalled a recent case where two South African nationals were caught with cocaine worth R7.5 million. In another incident in December 2024, police arrested a Brazilian national carrying over 4kg of cocaine in his luggage while a separate drug mule had swallowed 15 cocaine bullets.
Masemola also detailed the arrest of a 43-year-old Paraguayan drug mule that same month.
“She was taken to a local hospital where a medical x-ray revealed the presence of foreign objects in her stomach. A total of 33 drug bullets containing cocaine were subsequently released,” he said.
These incidents form part of a broader crackdown on international drug trafficking.
Major drug busts at Durban harbour
Police operations extend beyond airports, with significant drug seizures occurring at South Africa’s ports. Masemola highlighted a major intelligence-led operation in Durban Harbour, where SAPS collaborated with international agencies for two months.
“The culmination of which was the recovery of cocaine which was hidden and transported in paint containers. The containers were from Brazil and destined to South Africa, where they would be the then transported to Gauteng and there, the distribution would take place,” he said.
In addition, authorities estimated the street value of the seized cocaine at over R80 million.
Do you think South Africa’s law enforcement agencies are doing enough to curb drug trafficking?
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